“Not all facial enhancements are surgical.”

Benefits of Injectables

Injectable treatments cover an umbrella of procedures, which include fillers and toxins. Fillers are most commonly hyaluronic acid (HA) products, which are manufactured in a laboratory. These materials can replace volume lost by aging or enhance facial structures. They come in different consistencies that have different applications, from superficial filling of fine creases to deep filling of volume deficits. Products such as Restylane, Juvederm, Belotero, Voluma, Volbella, Refyne, and Defyne are all HA fillers. HA fillers can be dissolved with the enzyme hyaluronidase. Other fillers include Radiesse, a calcium hydroxylapatite, which has less versalility than the HA products regarding where it can be placed. Sculptra, poly L lactic acid, is not a true filler. It is actually a stimulating agent that causes the body to make its own collagen. Each product has a different role in reducing the signs of aging. Common areas for treatment include the lips, cheeks, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, temples, tear troughs, and lip lines.

Toxin treatments (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin) are potent medications that are injected into muscles of facial expression to temporarily stop movement and the creases associated with them. Common areas to treat are the forehead, between the eyebrows (the glabella), and the crow’s feet. Off label injections around the mouth may also be done. Unlike fillers, which have a nearly instantaneous effect, toxins require days and up to two weeks before they demonstrate their effects. Toxins will work on average for three months before they lose their effectiveness. They cannot be reversed.

Before and After Gallery

When you come into the office for your appointment, you will be able to see lots more ‘before and after’ photos of this procedure including different options.

How it is done

Typically, after an evaluation to determine which areas are to be treated, numbing cream is placed on the skin. Once that takes effect, the skin is cleaned for the injections. Depending on the treatment, injections may take a few moments to a half an hour. Ice is applied afterwards, and supportive treatments like Arnica (a homeopathic anti-inflammatory) may be recommended in either gel form or oral tablet.

Upside

Injectable treatments can quickly and safely change the appearance of wrinkles, creases, and areas of volume loss resulting in a more youthful and/or enhanced appearance. Fillers and toxins can make some changes that facial surgery can’t. Comparatively little downtime compared to surgery is a plus.

Downside

Injectable treatments are not without risk. Bruising and swelling can occur and last for up to two weeks. These treatments are temporary, and to maintain the result, need to be repeated. Facial fillers and injectables will not correct all signs of aging, and in those cases, surgery may be recommended.

Who pays for this

This is a cosmetic procedure, paid for by the patient.

What to expect

Length of operation

​Depending on what is being injected, a few minutes to a half an hour or more.

Anesthesia used

​Topical anesthesia, and many of the injectables have local anesthetic mixed in.

In or out patient

​This is an office based procedure.

Time until final appearance

​Usually two weeks. This is the maximum amount of time for toxins to take full effect and for swelling after fillers to resolve​.

Side effects

Temporary bruising, swelling, and pain may occur. Injectable fillers can be felt below the skin initially. Some people may get headaches or flu-like symptoms after toxin treatment.

Risks of procedure

All procedures carry risk. I recommend patients carefully weigh the benefits of injectable treatments against the potential risks, which may arise. Risks may include pain, infection, redness, bleeding, damage to nearby structures, inflammatory reactions, allergic reactions, temporary facial weakness or drooping, and accidental injection into a blood vessel that can block blood flow to the skin and cause skin scabbing or loss of vision. For toxins, rarely, the toxin can spread beyond the treatment area, which can cause botulism like signs and symptoms such as breathing problems, trouble swallowing, muscle weakness, and slurred speech.

“I love seeing the transformation of women who undergo this operation, and not just from a physical standpoint. Patients come to the office looking and feeling more confident. I also love hearing how excited women get finally filling out dresses and bathing suits and leaving their overly padded bras behind.”

– Dr. Danielle DeLuca-Pytell

Your Next Step

Call or email us to schedule an appointment and find out if you are a suitable candidate for this procedure.

Testimonials for Dr. Danielle DeLuca-Pytell

Side effects

Temporary bruising, swelling, and pain may occur. Injectable fillers can be felt below the skin initially. Some people may get headaches or flu-like symptoms after toxin treatment.

Risks of procedure

All procedures carry risk. I recommend patients carefully weigh the benefits of injectable treatments against the potential risks which may arise. Risks may include pain, infection, redness, bleeding, damage to nearby structures, inflammatory reactions, allergic reactions, temporary facial weakness or drooping, and accidental injection into a blood vessel that can block blood flow to the skin and cause skin scabbing or loss of vision. For toxins, rarely, the toxin can spread beyond the treatment area, which can cause botulism like signs and symptoms such as breathing problems, trouble swallowing, muscle weakness, and slurred speech.

Recovery time

If healing proceeds as expected:

Rest at home (princess treatment) for 2 weeks (no housework or exercise). Outsource housework and child care while you rest. Walk around the house, but do not work out.

Return to gentle exercise and household chores at two weeks, but no heavy lifting or bouncing for six weeks.

Return to full activity 6 weeks after surgery.

Returning to Work

This depends on the type of work that you do. Many women can return to sedentary work a week to 10 days following straightforward breast augmentation, though not everyone is ready to return to work by then. Surgery affects different people differently. If your work is more strenuous, six weeks off work may be needed.

Length of results

Breasts can increase or decrease in size with weight changes, pregnancy, or other hormonal changes. Age can change the appearance of the breast as well. It is expected that implants will need to be replaced.

Your appointment with Dr. DeLuca-Pytell

When you visit the office for your appointment, we will talk about the side effects and risks of this procedure. You will have the chance to ask any questions you might have.

Don’t forget: it is your body! There is no such thing as a bad or silly question!